Residents Show Interest in Standing for Council

With local government elections scheduled for October, the City held the prospective Elected Member Seminar to show local residents how to stand for Council and learn what is required to effectively represent the views and wishes of the local community.

This year, elections will be held for the office of the Mayor and for six Councillor positions (one vacancy in each ward).

Chief Executive Officer Eric Lumsden said he was happy with the seminar attendance. “It shows that there are passionate people out there who want to get things done for the community,” he said. “We are an open and forward-thinking Council and always encourage spirited people with good ideas to become involved in the local government process.”

The seminar gave interested residents a rundown of the election process, candidates’ obligations and the role of Elected Members. Participants received advice from Mr Lumsden, Crs Clive Robartson and John Phillips, City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and Mark Ducksbury from the WA Electoral Commission.

Mr Lumsden said the City of Melville was committed to promoting diversity and invited people from all walks of life in the municipality to come forward to offer their services as Elected Members. “Representing our community as an Elected Member can be very rewarding,” he said. “Local government is the tier of government closest to the community and you will be able to see how your endeavours directly affect our community on a daily basis.”

To find out more about standing for Council, visit the WA Electoral Commission website at www.waec.wa.gov.au.